Driver issued glasses after fatal crash

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The driver of a large truck and trailer unit that struck and killed a South Auckland cyclist near Taupo was issued glasses not long after the crash.

Jane Ann Farrelly, 50, was cycling with her husband, Ian, and a group of five other friends on Poihipi Rd when she was hit by a Evergreen Landcare Ltd truck, driven by Larry James Boulcott on March 16 last year.

Boulcott was never charged by police in relation to the crash.

The truck and trailer unit was classified by police as being overdimensional due to the extra width from carrying hay bales and a bulldozer.

Boulcott took to the stand in an inquest into Farrelly's death in Hamilton this morning.

When questioned by the Farrelly family lawyer, Desley Horton, Boulcott said he was told to start wearing glasses after an eye examination last August. Since then his optician has insisted he wear glasses when driving.

Boulcott admitted not having an eye examination for at least five years before the crash.

When asked what checks he did on his overdimensional truck and trailer unit, he replied just ''oil and water''.

Boulcott also said the group were riding two abreast as they went up the hill, rather than in single file as all of the cyclists have earlier testified. Yolande Savage was the first to give evidence this morning.

She was cycling directly behind Jane Farrelly when she saw her stand up out of her seat, turning her head about 90 degrees to the right.